Question: Are there try-outs?Answer: There are no try-outs and no prior lacrosse experience is required. Every child is accepted in our program and receives equal coaching and attention regardless of their athletic ability, skill, and experience.

Question: What are the age groups? Does my child need have prior lacrosse experience?Answer: Our program, starting in the Spring of 2011, is for boys from first through sixth grade. The plan is to have a combined 1st/2nd grade team and a separate team for boys in 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grades for the Spring 2012 season. If there are not enough players registered for a specific grade then that grade’s team may be combined with another grade’s team. No prior lacrosse experience is required. We pride ourselves on helping every player reach their potential and having fun in the process.

Question: Will there be 8th grade teams in the future?Answer: We will add 8th grade in 2013.

Question: Will returning players be guaranteed a roster spot after the first year?Answer: In the future all returning players from the previous year will be given a 30 day period to register before registration is opened to new players.

Question: What if the team’s roster spots are filled and no new players are be added?Answer: HYLC does not want to turn players away. However, we are limited to how many players can be on a roster. 18 to 20 players per team allows for quality playing time for each player. Anymore than 20 players diminishes the quality of playing time. We will wait list players after the roster spots are filled and HYLC will try to add another team if there are enough wait listed players and coaches.

Question: How many players are there on a team?Answer: HYLC will require a minimum of 15 players and maximum of 18 to 21 player per team depending on the number of assistant coaches. This will ensure that all players get an opportunity for ample playing time. If there are more than 21 players registered and paid for a particular grade then HYLC will strongly consider creating a second team for that grade.

Question: When are registrations and when does the season begin/end?Answer: Lacrosse is a spring sport. However, we hold registrations and will accept payments starting in October, 2011. ALL payments must be paid online, and you will need a major credit card to complete the registration process. A player will not be placed on a team until full payment is received. The regular season and outdoor practices begin the first week in March (weather permitting) and extends through the second week in June. The conclusion of the season is a usually a regional competition, an event which generally takes place over 2 days.

Question: Can my child play other sports while playing lacrosse?Answer: Our goal 1st though 3rd is to teach the game of lacrosse. HYLC does not endorse sports specialization at these ages. We do however, expect players to attend the majority of practices. If a player misses too many practices for other events or games, this may be reflected in playing time. HYLC reserves the right at all grade levels not to hold a players spot as a returning player for the next season if that player has missed too many practices or games due to another sport or event. Grades 4th through 5th are expected to make lacrosse their priority sport if playing other sports.

6th grade through 8th grade are critical years and a time for players to fine-tune their skills and obtain maximum knowledge of the game in order to prepare for competitive high school lacrosse. By this level, we expect players to be committed to the lacrosse season. Playing in a different sport during lacrosse season will not be acceptable as a valid excuse. Attendance at games and practices are mandatory. The coaches will evaluate excuses only if they are presented to them in advance. Playing time is directly tied to the number of practices the player attends per week.

Question: What is the financial commitment?Answer: The registration fee does vary based on age group, and ranges between $200 and $300 per child. This fee covers paying the referees, equipment expenses such as balls, goals, goalie’s equipment, uniforms and various regional league/tournament expenses.

Question: How much does equipment cost?Answer: Players can purchase their equipment from a HYLC equipment vendor who will assist in selecting the correct equipment. The equipment cost for boys is approximately $200. This package includes a stick, helmet (color: Black if not already purchased. Otherwise a white helmet will suffice), shoulder pads, arm pads, and gloves. All players will need to purchase several color (not clear) mouth guards and a protective cup. Lacrosse, soccer or football cleats are required. Players are required to wear all equipment to every practice and game. The coaches will not permit a player to participate in practice or a game if not properly equipped.

Question: Are the teams parent-coached?Answer: HYLC will make their best effort to hire the best head coaches to teach proper skills to our players. All of our head coaches will have extensive lacrosse experience and will be properly screened. We even have a few that were collegiate All-Americans! Most importantly, they want to give back to the game of lacrosse after having played it themselves. Also for each team there will also be two assistant coaches per team and two additional parents that will act as team parents and perform various non-coaching duties.

Question: Who will referee the games?Answer: All lacrosse games will be refereed by certified lacrosse officials supplied by the New Jersey Interscholastic Lacrosse Officials Association. 1st/2nd through 4th grade is officiated by one referee and 5th through 7th grade is officiated by two referees.

Question: Are there practices during the week? If so, how many/week? Any idea when they are held?Answer: HYLC will use at least three fields. Each team will practice twice a week between 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm. The practice nights vary by age group. Practice locations include Green Acres field (Haddonfield, NJ) and Scout Field (Haddonfield, NJ).

Question: Which teams would we play? What time do games start? How long before the game do the players have to be there for any pre-game warm-up?Answer: While we are in the NJ South Chapter of US Lacrosse, our teams will most likely play teams from the Delaware Valley region. This includes teams from southeastern Pennsylvania and southern and central New Jersey. We play a 12-16 game season (8 or 9 weekends). So only 6 or 8 weekends would be travel weekends. Start times vary based on game location. We ask that the players arrive NO LATER than 30 minutes before game time.

Question: Do the teams play in lacrosse tournaments?Answer: Yes. The registration fee includes entry to two (2) regional tournaments that may include up to four (4) games per tournament. The tournaments may include teams from as far as New York and Maryland. The tournaments are very exciting for the players and their families. There is typically one (1) tournament in April and one (1) in May.

Question: I have more questions. How do I get them answered?Answer: You can send an email to us at info@haddonfieldyouthlax.com with any/all questions you might have. We do virtually all of our communication via email. Please feel free to submit any questions you might have at any time.